5 Dangers of Having a Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is one of those common household problems that many homeowners are tempted to ignore or simply put on the back-burner. However, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider treating your leaky roof with more urgency.

A leaky roof can lead to significant damage to the structure of your home, and it can also cause problems with insulation, mould growth, and more. Here, we’ll look at just some of the dangers involved with having a leaky roof and failing to fix it as quickly as possible.

1.Â Â Â Â Structural Deterioration in Your Property

One of the primary dangers associated with a leaky roof is the impact it can have on the structure of your property. Water can seep through the roof and drip directly onto your attic floor, or it could run along the underside of the roof and down into the building frame. Over time, the wet wood can start to rot and lose its strength, and the whole system begins to sag.

Eventually, the wet wood in your structure can become spongy and water-logged. Even a small leak can cause problems like these, though it may take time for the issues to become noticeable enough that you seek out a repair.

2.Â Â Â Â Issues with Mould and Mildew

Over time, one of the more serious consequences of a leaky roof comes in the form of mildew and mould. Sometimes, mould can spread throughout the structure of the home, infecting the HVAC system and the right of the house through the vents.

Black mould is one of the most common issues that result from a chronically leaky roof. Mould and mildew can both lead to serious health issues, particularly when it comes to people with high sensitivity issues like asthma and rhinitis.

3.Â Â Â Â Fire and Shock Hazards

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a leaky roof can lead to issues with shock and fire hazards. Water from leaks can connect with the interior electrical wiring in your home, and create an open circuit that leads to a fire. Even if your insulation isn’t damaged, water can be dangerous if it gathers around the metal junction boxes that contain electrical wires.

Moisture around open wiring can quickly become electrically charged, which means that the people in your home could get a nasty shock.

4.Â Â Â Â Wasted Energy and Higher Bills

High utility bills can be a common side effect of a leaky roof. Intrusion of water can be enough to damage the insulation throughout your attic. Gradually, your insulation becomes saturated, and your home will begin to lose hot and cold air more rapidly, forcing your HVAC system to work harder than it usually has to.

5.Â Â Â Â Additional Water Hazards

Finally, remember that excess water in your home doesn’t necessarily have to connect with electrical circuits to prompt a hazard. If the water in your home gathers on the floor in the form of a puddle, it could prompt slips and falls. Additionally, water can collect behind your drywall and cause it to cave in or crumble.

Whenever you notice the symptoms of a leaky roof, you should seek out a repair professional straight away to prevent long-term damage.